VW drivers shun fix that would cut emissions

There are still more than 45,000 vehicles that have not been fixedFABIAN BIMMER/REUTERS

Tens of thousands of Volkswagen vehicles in Ireland are still emitting high levels of toxic fumes because their owners have not had their cars fixed despite an extensive recall after the emissions scandal.

VW began its recall of the 152,855 Irish vehicles fitted with “defeat devices” to hide the level of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other harmful pollutants more than two years ago. There are still 45,857 vehicles which have not been altered to reduce their emissions on the roads. The fix almost halved NOx emissions, according to test results, but some owners complained that it resulted in lower fuel economy.

Emissions of some of the most noxious air pollutants including NOx have increased in Ireland in recent years, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.…

Want to read more?

Subscribe now and get unlimited digital access on web and our smartphone and tablet apps, free for your first month.